Completed/terminated procedure

Bulgaria, as a Member State of the European Union (EU), informs its citizens in the most appropriate way about the assistance provided by EU funds as well as the effect of implementing individual priorities, measures or projects on the country and / or region, the community or individuals.

The Network of Information Centers for the Promotion of EU Cohesion Policy in the Republic of Bulgaria has been established and functioning since 2012. The District Information Centers (DICs) are located in Blagoevgrad, Bourgas, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin, Vratsa, Gabrovo, Dobrich, Kardzhali , Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana, Pazardjik, Pernik, Pleven, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Ruse, Silistra, Sliven Smolyan, Sofia, Stara Zagora, Targovishte, Haskovo, Shumen, Yambol. The 27 DICs operate on a one-stop-shop principle and work actively with the Managing Authorities, assisting them in the implementation of information campaigns on the territory of the districts. The Network actively cooperates with local administrations, labor offices and regional education inspectorates, universities and secondary schools in order to raise citizens' awareness of the opportunities provided by the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF).

During the 2007-2013 programming period, the network provided information on funding opportunities under programs co-financed by the EU Structural and Cohesion Funds (SCFs).

The network of information centers to provide up-to-date, free and expert information on the possibilities for financial support with funds from the ESIS is regulated by art. 20 of the Law for the Management of the Funds from the European Structure and Investment Funds.

Information centers do not provide consultancy services in connection with the preparation and implementation of specific projects funded under the ESIF programs.

In fulfilling the goals of the National Communication Strategy and the Partnership Agreement, this procedure will build on the awareness of European funds and programs, with the JRC knowingly and purposefully working to increase transparency in program implementation and management, building a broad public trust.

The grant provided under this procedure contributes to:

 promoting the role of the EU and informing about funding opportunities under the programs;

 ensuring maximum transparency in the process of program implementation and management;

 Building and maintaining high public confidence in the processes of implementing and managing the Partnership Agreement and programs.

The purpose of this procedure is to raise citizens' / public awareness, access to information and to promote the funding opportunities that the EU provides for the 2014-2020 programming period by ensuring the effective functioning of the 27 DICs.